Help to make healthy choices

9:00am - 19 January 2024
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Improving our health and wellbeing is a common New Year’s resolution but by this point in January those good intentions may be slipping away. 

Whether you want to increase your fitness, improve your eating habits, reduce drinking, smoke less or connect with others more, our Better Health North Somerset team is on hand to offer expert, non-judgmental, friendly advice and support.

We want to empower people to live healthier lives and taking small steps can lead you on the right path without feeling overwhelmed.

Setting realistic goals, being consistent and remembering why you’re making the changes can make it a more successful and enjoyable experience.

Move more

Getting active doesn’t need to involve hours at an expensive gym or buying lots of equipment.

Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health and it can be as simple as going for a brisk walk outside.

Start small and increase as you go on. Just walking outside for 10 minutes in the fresh air can help the blood circulate and refocus your mind.

If you’re keen on a particular sport or looking to start, our active directory lists lots of clubs, groups and activities across North Somerset.

Free health walks take place across the area and welcome more than 300 regular walkers every week.

All abilities are supported and they’re a great way to improve at a pace that suits you.

If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, ParkPlay sessions run every Saturday in Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon.

Tips for a healthier lifestyle

Whether you want to lose weight, eat well, get active or stop smoking, friendly people across North Somerset are ready to help.

Our free Healthy Lifestyles Adviser service is tailored to your individual needs, giving you the best support over 12 weeks, whether that’s one-to-one or in group sessions.

Several new free groups are starting in February, including a new liver health support group, Couch to 5k, and a men’s health group.

Take our health MOT survey to see if you’re eligible and register. The questionnaire will take five to 10 minutes to complete.

Or call 01934 427 661 to find out more.

Quit smoking for good

Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health – and it’s never too late to try.

Our stop smoking team know how hard it is to quit and they’ll help you find the best way to kick the habit for good.

Telephone support is available or visit one of the regular drop-in sessions. They can also prescribe free stop smoking aids, saving you money on buying the products over the counter.

Contact the team through the website or call 01275 546 744.

Be kind to yourself

This time of year can be tough. Finding simple things we can do each day can help us manage and improve our mental wellbeing.

It’s important to find out what works for you, whether that’s getting outside in the fresh air or simply having a nice cup of tea while reading a book.

Find out more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing on our website, but please reach out for help if you are struggling with your mental health. Services are available across North Somerset.

Drink less 

Drinking less alcohol can have a major impact on your life, improving both your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Lots of useful tips on how to reduce your alcohol intake are on the Better Health North Somerset website.

Local charity With You offers a free and confidential service if you feel like you need more specialist support.

Healthy workplaces

Lots of us spend a significant amount of time at work so our workplace plays a key role in our health and wellbeing.

If you’re an employer or run a business in North Somerset you can access free tools and advice on a range of subjects through a free programme.

Improving the health and wellbeing of employees will in turn support the health of the business.